Prefabricated Gate Assembly

ABSTRACT

A durable, prefabricated metal gate assembly including a plurality of frame beams, a plurality of units, and a plurality of corner brackets. The prefabricated gate assembly is easily assembled onsite thereby alleviating the need for heavy lifting machinery or expensive welding tools when assembling. The versatility of this prefabricated gate is not limited to just a gates configuration but can also be used to form a fence as well.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gates and fences. More specifically, the present invention is a prefabricated gate that can be easily assembled without the need for welding components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fences and gates are commonly used to distinguish property lines and prevent unwanted visitors from gaining access to a property. Conventional gate and fence structures are made of wood, plastic, stone, or metal, each material requiring its own set of assembly requirements. Many prefer wooden or plastic gate and fence materials because of their low cost and easy setup. Those materials, however, have low durability and weather-resistance. To counter this deficiency, some gates and fences are constructed with more durable materials like metal and stone. Nevertheless, metal and stone gates and fences, while providing the benefit of additional security and durability, take much longer to build and often, require special machinery for construction. Some machines are used for lifting the heavy metal and stone units and additional welding materials are necessary for joining metal components together.

An objective of the present invention is to provide durable, prefabricated gate and fence units to effortlessly assemble a complete metal gate and fence onsite. The present invention alleviates the need for heavy lifting machinery or expensive welding tools for assembly. To accomplish this, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of frame beams, a plurality of units, and a plurality of corner brackets. Furthermore, the durable metal gate and fence unit of the present invention can be easily packaged and transported, unlike other typical, heavy, pre-manufactured solid gate or fence units.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a prefabricated gate unit that can be easily assembled and transported. The present invention seeks to provide a gate and fence that can be assembled without additional welding, allowing for easy installation for individual purchasers with minimal to no building experience. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a plurality of frame beams manufactured from unique molds that create the outer frame of the entire metal gate or fence. Further, the plurality of units are prefabricated, welded and drilled before shipment to the site for assembly, thereby allowing the gate to be pieced together by the purchaser. Then, the plurality of corner brackets, also prefabricate and drilled before delivery, are attached at every corner of the frame beams by the purchaser, thereby creating a rectangular shape, ensuring the present invention stays secured. While the preferred embodiment is a gate assembly, the prefabricated units can also be used as a fence and can be combined with other assemblies to create a length of fence with gate assemblies attached. The preferred embodiment is constructed from durable, weatherproof materials. Metal coated with a weatherproof coating is preferable but other materials can be used as well.

Thus, the present invention is a gate or fence with a variety of components and prefabricated units to ensure the gate can be conveniently built onsite without the need for heavy machinery or welding materials during assembly, saving both time and money for the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembled gate assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a right view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the plurality of units of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows the plurality of frame beams of an embodiment of the present invention, namely.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a corner bracket of an embodiment of the present invention with a plurality of corner bracket holes and a first fastener.

FIG. 8 is a top right perspective view of unassembled, plurality of unit beams of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional right-side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial view of the U-shaped cross section of the plurality of frame beams.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein unit décor resembling a decorative object is placed along the plurality of units.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a partial view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a partial view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gate assembly 1 comprising a plurality of frame beams 2, a plurality of units 3, and a plurality of corner brackets 4. The plurality of units 3 are positioned vertically within the plurality of frame beams 2. The plurality of units 3 are joined to the plurality of frame beams 2 through male intersections called steps 29, 33 and female intersections called U-shaped cross sections 23, 34 in greater detail below. The plurality of frame beams 2 comprising a top beam 5, a right beam 6, a left beam 7, and a bottom beam 8. The top beam 5 positioned opposite to the bottom beam 8. The top beam 5 comprising a plurality of top beam holes 11 a, 11 b wherein on the right side 12 of the gate assembly 1 two top beam holes 11 a are positioned centrally close to the right edge 13 of the gate assembly and two top beam holes 11 b are positioned on the left side 14 a of the gate assembly 1 centrally spaced away from the left side 14 a of the gate assembly 1. The top beam 5 having a U-shaped cross-section 23 that allows for other components to be placed within. The bottom beam 8 having the same U-shaped cross-section 23 and comprising a plurality of bottom holes 16, 16 a. Two of the bottom beam holes 16 are positioned on the right side 12 of the gate assembly 1 centrally and spaced away from the right side 12. Additionally, two bottom beam holes 16 a are positioned on the left side 14 a of the gate assembly 1 centrally near the left edge 17 of the bottom beam 8. The right beam 6 has a rectangular shape with a shorter length than the top beam 5 and bottom beam 8. The right beam 6 comprising a plurality of right beam holes 19, 19 a wherein two of the plurality of right beam holes 19 are positioned centrally on the right end 20 of the right beam and two of the plurality of right beam holes 19 a are positioned centrally on the left end 21 of the right beam 6. The right beam 6 positioned opposite to the left beam 7. To complete the rectangular shape the left beam 7 is positioned at the left end 21 of the top beam 5 and bottom beam 8. The left beam 7 has the same rectangular shape as the right beam 6 with a cross section like the top beam 5 and bottom beam 8. The left beam 7 comprises a plurality of left beam holes 22, 22 a where two of the plurality of left beam holes 22 are positioned centrally on the right end 20 of the left beam 7 away from the right edge 13 and two of the plurality of left beam holes 22 a are positioned centrally on the left end 21 of the left beam 7 away from the left edge 17. Additionally, the right unit beam 25 and plurality of end beams 27 have a rectangular cross section with a step protrusion 33 on a surface.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of corner brackets comprises 4 a plurality of corner bracket holes 30 and a plurality of first fasteners 10. The plurality of corner bracket holes 30 is designed to match up with the plurality of frame beam holes 11 a, 11 b, 16, 16 a, 19, 19 a, 22, 22 a on the plurality of frame beams 2, with two of the plurality of frame beam holes 11 a, 11 b, 16, 16 a, 19, 19 a, 22, 22 a positioned on either length of the plurality corner brackets 4. Thus, the plurality of frame beams 2 are joined together by the plurality of corner brackets 4 to form the outer frame 9 of the gate assembly 1. Further, the plurality of first fasteners 10 are designed to be screwed into the plurality of corner bracket holes 30, ensuring that all the components of the gate assembly 1 are securely fastened together without the need for welding equipment.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of units 3 connect with the plurality of frame beams 2 by sliding into the rectangular area 23 created by the unique cross sections. The plurality of units 3 are of a similar material as the plurality of frame beams 2. In a preferred embodiment the plurality of units 3 comprises a plurality of main beams 24, a right unit beam 25, a left unit beam 26, a plurality of end beams 27, and a unit décor 28. In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of main beams 24 have a thin rectangular shape with square cross-sections with at least two main beams 24. Attached perpendicularly to the ends of the plurality of main beams 24 are the plurality of end beams 27. In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of end beams 27 have a thicker and shorter rectangular shape with a square cross section with a step 33 on one side. Further, on the right side 12 of the plurality of units 3 is the right unit beam 25 that comprises the same rectangular length as the plurality of main beams 24 with a cross section with a step 33 on the right side 12. On the opposite side of the unit is the left unit beam 26 with the same rectangular shape with a U-shaped cross section 34. This design allows the plurality of units 3 to be placed in series along the plurality of frame beams 2, wherein the step 33 of the right unit beam 25 and plurality of end beams 27 slide into the U-shaped cross section 34 of the top frame beam 5, bottom frame beam 8, and right beam 6. The left beam 7 has a step 29 so as.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gate assembly 1 comprising a plurality of frame beams 2, a plurality of units 3, and a plurality of corner brackets 4. The plurality of units 3 are positioned vertically within the plurality of frame beams 2.

FIG. 3 shows a right view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the corner brackets 4 and right beam 6 visible.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the present invention, with the corner brackets 4 and top frame beam 5 visible.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the plurality of units 3 of an embodiment of the present invention, namely, the main beams 24, the right unit beam 25, the left unit beam 26, and the plurality of end beams 27, in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 6 shows the plurality of frame beams 2 of an embodiment of the present invention, namely, the top frame beam 5, the right beam 6, the left beam 7, and the bottom frame beam 8.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a corner bracket 4 of an embodiment of the present invention with a plurality of corner bracket holes 30 and a first fastener 10.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional top, right perspective view of a main beam 24, a right unit beam 25, and a left unit beam 26. The right unit beam 25 having a step 33 and the left unit beam 26 having a U-shaped cross section 34.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein, the right beam 6 has at least two hinges 32 affixed to a surface, thereby permitting the gate to pivotally swing in an open and closed configuration. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the hinges 32 are affixed to a surface of the left beam 7. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to hinges for affixing the prefabricated gate assembly 1 to surfaces to allow the gate to be in an open or closed configuration. Additionally, the prefabricated gate assembly 1 can be affixed to other prefabricated gate assemblies 1 to form a fence or elongate the assembly. Further, the prefabricated gate assembly 1 can be attached to alternative mechanical assemblies to allow the prefabricated gate assembly 1 to be in an open or closed configuration. Further, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the prefabricated gate assembly 1 can be affixed from either the top frame beam 5 or the bottom frame beam 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional right-side view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the step 33 of the plurality of units 3 is in a fixed position, slid into the U-shaped cross section 23 of the top frame beam 5 and bottom frame beam 8. A partial view 11 shows this relationship in greater detail.

FIG. 11 is a partial view 11 of the U-shaped cross section 23 of the plurality of frame beams 2, wherein the step 33 of the plurality of units 3 is joined to the U-shaped cross section 23 of the top frame beam 5 and bottom frame beam 8.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein unit décor 28 resembling a decorative object is placed along the plurality of units 3 to give the gate assembly added customization.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the plurality of frame beams 2 are joined to the plurality of units 3. The first partial view 14 and second partial view 15 show this relationship in greater detail.

FIG. 14 is a partial view 14 of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the step 33 of the right unit beam 25 joins the left unit beam 26 and the right unit beam 25 by locking the right unit beam 25 in place via the U-shaped cross section 23 of the left unit beam 26.

FIG. 15 is a partial view 15 of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the step 29 of the left beam 7 joins the left unit beam 26 and the left beam 7 by locking the left unit beam 26 in place via the U-shaped cross section 34.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A gate assembly, comprising: a plurality of frame beams; a plurality of units; a plurality of corner brackets; the plurality of units comprising a plurality of main beams, a right unit beam, a left unit beam, and a plurality of end beams; the plurality of units positioned vertically within the plurality of frame beams; the plurality of frame beams comprising a top beam, a right beam, a left beam, and a bottom beam; the top beam positioned opposite the bottom beam; the right beam positioned opposite of the left beam; the top beam comprising a plurality of top beam holes; the bottom beam comprising a plurality of bottom holes; the right beam comprising a plurality of right beam holes; the left beam comprising a plurality of left beam holes; the plurality of corner brackets comprising a plurality of corner bracket holes; the plurality of corner bracket holes aligns with the plurality of top beam holes, the plurality of bottom the plurality of beam holes, right beam holes, and the plurality of left beam holes; and a plurality of first fasteners joins the plurality of corner bracket holes and frame beam holes to secure the plurality of corner brackets to the plurality of frame beams.
 2. The gate assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of units are joined to the plurality of frame beams through male and female intersections.
 3. The gate assembly of claim 1, wherein the right beam and left beam have a shorter length than the top beam and bottom beam.
 4. The gate assembly of claim 3, wherein two of the plurality of right beam holes are positioned centrally on the right end of the right beam and two of the plurality of right beam holes are positioned centrally on the left end of the right beam.
 5. The gate assembly of claim 4, wherein two of the plurality of left beam holes are positioned centrally on the right side away from the right edge and two of the plurality of left beam holes are positioned centrally on the left side away from the left edge.
 6. The gate assembly of claim 4, wherein the right beam has a rectangular cross section with a step protrusion on one end.
 7. The gate assembly of claim 4, wherein two frame beam holes are positioned on either length of the plurality corner brackets.
 8. The gate assembly of claim 7, wherein the plurality of main beams have a thin rectangular shape with square cross-sections with at least two main beams.
 9. The gate assembly of claim 7, wherein the plurality of end beams are attached perpendicularly to the ends of the plurality of main beams.
 10. The gate assembly of claim 9, wherein the top beam and bottom beam have a U-shaped cross-section.
 11. The gate assembly of claim 10, wherein decorative unit décor is affixed to the plurality of units.
 12. A gate assembly, comprising: a plurality of frame beams; a plurality of units; a plurality of corner brackets; the plurality of units comprising a plurality of main beams, a right unit beam, a left unit beam, and a plurality of end beams; the plurality of units positioned vertically within the plurality of frame beams; the plurality of frame beams comprising a top beam, a right beam, a left beam, and a bottom beam; the top beam positioned opposite the bottom beam; the right beam positioned opposite of the left beam; the top beam comprising a plurality of top beam holes; the bottom beam comprising a plurality of bottom holes; the right beam comprising a plurality of right beam holes; the left beam comprising a plurality of left beam holes; the plurality of corner brackets comprising a plurality of corner bracket holes; the right beam and left beam having a length shorter than the top beam and bottom beam; the plurality of corner bracket holes aligns with the plurality of corner bracket holes align with the plurality of top beam holes, the plurality of bottom the plurality of beam holes, right beam holes, and the plurality of left beam holes; a plurality of first fasteners joins the plurality of corner bracket holes and frame beam holes together to secure the plurality of corner brackets to the plurality of frame beams; and the plurality of units are joined to the plurality of frame beams through male and female intersections.
 13. The gate assembly of claim 12, wherein the right beam has a rectangular cross section with a step protrusion on one end.
 14. The gate assembly of claim 13, wherein two of the plurality of right beam holes are positioned centrally on the right end of the right beam and two of the plurality of right beam holes are positioned centrally on the left end of the right beam.
 15. The gate assembly of claim 13, wherein two of the plurality of left beam holes are positioned centrally on the right side away from the right edge and two of the plurality of left beam holes are positioned centrally on the left side away from the left edge.
 16. The gate assembly of claim 10, wherein decorative unit décor is affixed to the plurality of units.
 17. A gate assembly, comprising: a plurality of frame beams; a plurality of units; a plurality of corner brackets; the plurality of units comprising a plurality of main beams, a right unit beam, a left unit beam, and a plurality of end beams; the plurality of units positioned vertically within the plurality of frame beams; the plurality of frame beams comprising a top beam, a right beam, a left beam, and a bottom beam; the top beam positioned opposite the bottom beam; the right beam positioned opposite of the left beam; the top beam comprising a plurality of top beam holes; the bottom beam comprising a plurality of bottom holes; the right beam comprising a plurality of right beam holes; the left beam comprising a plurality of left beam holes; the plurality of corner brackets comprising a plurality of corner bracket holes; the right beam and left beam having a length shorter than the top beam and bottom beam; the plurality of corner bracket holes align with the plurality of top beam holes, the plurality of bottom the plurality of beam holes, right beam holes, and the plurality of left beam holes; two of the plurality of right beam holes are positioned centrally on the right end of the right beam and two of the plurality of right beam holes are positioned centrally on the left end of the right beam; two of the plurality of left beam holes are positioned centrally on the right end of the left beam away from the right edge and two of the plurality of left beam holes are positioned centrally on the left end of the left beam away from the left edge; two of the plurality of top beam holes are positioned centrally close to the right edge of the right side and two top beam holes are positioned on the left side centrally spaced away from the left side; two of the plurality of bottom beam holes are positioned on the right side centrally and spaced away from the right side, and two bottom beam holes are positioned on the left side centrally near the left edge of the bottom beam; a plurality of first fasteners join the plurality of corner bracket holes and frame beam holes together to secure the plurality of corner brackets to the plurality of frame beams; the plurality of units are joined to the plurality of frame beams through male and female intersections; and wherein, the plurality of end beams have a thicker and shorter rectangular shape with a square cross section with a step on one side.
 18. The gate assembly of claim 17, wherein the right beam has a rectangular cross section with a step protrusion on one end.
 19. The gate assembly of claim 17, wherein a unit décor is attached to the plurality of units.
 20. The gate assembly of claim 18, wherein the plurality of units connect with the plurality of frame beams by sliding into a rectangular area created by the cross sections. 